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The notion that a committee of city officials could and would get to the bottom of the towing contract mess in Wilkes-Barre was weak when first announced. The situation is festering as weeks go by with no action.

A committee that the city now says is not even a committee has yet to meet, and for reasons unknown, Mayor Tom Leighton has been replaced on the panel by Marie McCormick, city administrator. Other members include police Chief Gerard Dessoye, city spokesman Drew McLaughlin, Councilwoman Maureen Lavelle and Councilman Tony George, who wanted city tower LAG Towing bounced.

LAG remains on the job but George did muster support on city council for creation of the committee, now dubbed an "internal review" group not subject to Pennsylvania's open meetings law.

LAG has been accused of overcharging for tows, lack of record keeping and lack of accountability. Leighton has been steadfast in his defense of Leo A. Glodzick, LAG owner.

The committee is charged with reviewing LAG's towing records, or at least those that are available, and recommending whether the city should take legal action to terminate the contract and open towing services to bidders.

We have advocated for an independent investigation. The lack of transparency is embarrassing and now transparency is taking another hit as the city seeks to hold private meetings.

Wilkes-Barre citizens and visitors who require towing services should feel confident that they are being charged fairly. The towing company under contract should maintain its business records and file complete reports with the city.

The LAG "investigation" should be done openly, it should not die in committee behind closed doors, and hopefully the findings will lead to reform, with or without LAG Towing.

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